Each year on August 30th the Turkish Republic celebrates an important national holiday: Zafer Bayramı – Victory Day. The holiday is dedicated to the Turkish Armed Forces. What Happens On Victory Day? If you’re in the country for Zafer Bayramı, don’t be surprised to see an abundance of Turkish flags flying from people’s balconies as …
It’s not often we write about Turkish desserts or sweetie goodness on this blog because neither of us has a particularly sweet tooth. However, Ramazan Bayramı is once more upon us. And, as this is the time when people tend to indulge in foods of the sugary variety, now seems like the perfect time to …
If you know anything about Turkey at all, you’ll know that yesterday was the 90th anniversary of the declaration of the Republic of Turkey (Cumhuriyet Bayramı – Republic Day). Not that most Turks need much excuse to openly display their national pride, but Cumhuriyet Bayramı is a day of loud and proud unabashed flag waving, …
If you read this blog regularly, you will know that we have a very biased fondness for our adopted hometown of Fethiye, Southwest Turkey. The mountains, the Mediterranean, Paspatur (the old town), one of the largest natural harbours in the world, restaurants, bars; what more could we want? Well, while the local live music scene …
Today is a very special day in the calendar of Turkey. October 29th is the Republic Day of Turkey or 29 Ekim Cumhuriyet Bayramı. The day is a public holiday and marks the anniversary of the proclamation of the Turkish Republic when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was named as its first leader. Republic Day is also …
Yesterday evening’s sunset marked the end of Ramazan and after the contemplation and fasting of the last month (for those that observed it), Turkey is now celebrating Ramazan Bayramı. We like the festivals in Turkey – everyone is in a good mood and it’s a happy time. During Ramazan Bayramı, it’s traditional for the local …
23 Nisan Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı Kutlu Olsun! Which roughly translates as, ‘Happy 23rd April National Sovereignty & Children’s Day!’ What Is National Sovereignty & Children’s Day In Turkey? National Sovereignty & Children’s Day is a national holiday in Turkey which takes place annually on April 23rd. The day marks the anniversary of the …
Today is the last day of Kurban Bayram – the festival of the sacrifice. Many a goat has ended its days (or had its days ended for it) this weekend, let me tell you. Traditionally, Turkish families sacrifice a goat or sheep (although qualified butchers are used more and more these days) and the meat …